Telling the Trick-Tools Story with NHRA and White Alligator Racing

Iowa-based metal fabrication tool specialists Trick-Tools is looking to NHRA, Pro Stock Motorcycle, White Alligator Racing (WAR), and rookie rider Chase Van Sant to spread the word about their business. “We are super-excited to race the 2023 season with Trick-Tools wrapped around a WAR Suzuki body,” said Trick-Tools owner Bruce Van Sant—Chase’s father and a former racer himself. Bruce used to race a nitrous-huffing Pro Mod Bike and can still be found racing 4.60 index and a no-bar Hayabusa. “Chase is my son, but in reality, racing has always been at the heart of Trick-Tools. We founded this company 25 years ago to help fund our own racing efforts, as well as provide solutions for fabricators and builders to make a better product, more efficiently. “NHRA racers, crew, and fans are a perfect sampling of our core customers. And although we have steadily built a good name in the industry, we can’t wait to see what the extra exposure will do to get the word out about the equipment we offer.” With team owner Jerry Savoie stepping away from racing full-time, WAR is embarking on a whole new era. Having Chase as a rider and Trick-Tools as a primary sponsor will help define the new face of WAR. “Our team has really started to take shape for the 2023 season,” said WAR tuner and team manager Tim Kulungian. “A year ago, Bruce and I had a conversation at PRI that started this, and we are all thankful for this relationship and excited to take the next step. “The seed of the Trick-Tools company was a need in industry. They listen to the folks in the shop making parts, and provide solutions. We know from our experience at the track and the shop that long-lasting tools are the best value in the long run. “Chase has done a remarkable job in testing. His involvement last year on and off the track has helped build a foundation moving into 2023. Crewman Keith Nichols and Chase worked well in ’22, and Keith will be the lead tech on the Trick-Tools bike.” “Racing Pro-Stock Motorcycle has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, so to have the opportunity with a team that is as high of caliber as WAR is more than I could have ever hope for,” said Chase. “I’m also thankful to get to do the whole thing with my dad, and Trick-Tools as my sponsor for the season. It’s one thing to get to race in the NHRA, but I think it’s a lot more special that my dad and I get to do it together. “I can’t thank Tim Kulungian and Jerry Savoie enough for the opportunity to ride one of their bikes. The whole WAR team is such a great group of guys and I think it’s a really good fit for us. I had a great time working with them this past season and I think that time is going to be really valuable for next year. I definitely don’t feel like I’m jumping in blind as much. “It’s still pretty surreal to me that I have this opportunity, but I’m looking forward to making the best of it and trying my hand against the best in the business!” “It’s kind of been a been a long journey to enter the Pro Stock ranks for me personally, but Chase has had his sights set on it for quite some time,” added Bruce. “Over the last year, we’ve made a lot of progress, Chase got his license, and couldn’t really ask for a better situation. I feel like we’re in a relationship with a great team and some good guys that are going to put us in the best possible position for success.” Trick-Tools.com is home of the world’s largest selection of hardcore metal fabrication tools. They offer long-lasting equipment that is hand selected from over 100 of the top manufacturers around the world, with over 50% made in the USA. Whether you are a professional or hobbyist, Trick-Tools exists to help you to choose the best option for your shop and will back it all up with their No Junk Guarantee.

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And now for an uninteresting preface to this astoundingly interesting article:

When I recently finished my groudbreaking unbelievably wondrous “bureaucrat/journalist translation dictionary from lying seditious bullcrap into what they actually mean or some title close to that, when I was done it was 49,000 astoundingly well-selected words long.

I said, frowning, “There’s gotta be a way to get another thousand words into this. Make it 50 grand. Bitchin’! ”

I had referenced the Bill of Rights in the translation-dictionary but not in any kind of detail. I said “Fuck, I’ll do that in one of the bonus sections then.” I love bonus sections to things. Don’t you? A bonus section can turn something even I wrote into a suddenly-exciting bargain. It’s like, I don’t know, getting shopping points at Nordstrom’s!! Well, turns out I got my one thousand more words and two thousand more on top of that. Since the dictionary will never get printed because it’s…..well, now it’s 52,000 words long! That’s too many words to print! Since that won’t happen, here then is one of the dictionary’s bonus sections! Enjoy!

PresentingThe Most Dangerous Critique Of The Bill Of Rights In American History. Amendment By Amendment

by

who else: J.J. Solari

(fun fact: This reads a lot more vibrantly and thrillingly if you imagine that Alan Shore of Boston Legal played by James Spader is parading grandly, slowly around, here and there, in a courtroom, presenting a case, and reciting all this to a jury that has been assembled for the purpose of deciding if the writers of the Bill of Rights are crazed sociopaths and deserving of banishment back to England. Or not. Mr. Shore is arguing, Yes. They are. After a tarring and feathering. With another tarring and feathering once they, 3,000 miles later, wade ashore from the shoddily constructed rafts provided them. Assuming they make it.)

The Bill of Rights should actually be called the bill of nothings or the bill of goods or the duck bill or the electricity bill or the bill of beep bo or as I like to call it the bill of bilgewater, because 1: you can’t legislate rights into existence. Or declare them into existence. Or construct them into existence at a meeting of overweight men in breeches and powdered British wigs in a fart-filled room and put them into a list of new and amazing rights and proclaim them as bulwarks of liberty and progress.

You can only proclaim permissions into existence and 2: if you do insist on doing these things at least come up with a list of rights that have some actual useful and fun aspects. Which these ten do not. And 3: if you are going to subject them to two hundred-plus years of added intense scrutiny by the Supreme Court, also invented by the same overweight men, make the language a bit less vague and a bit less subject to retranslation and reinterpretation and reconstruction and redefinitioning and recase-lawed-nesses and make it a bit less of a “living” – meaning apparently writhing and flailing and subject to infinite variations of meaning – make it a bit less of a “living document,” so to speak and as Nancy Pelosi would say, and make it more of an easy to “interpret” proclamation.

Because that’s what the Bill of Rights actually is. It’s a proclamation. Like “Black Lives Matter.” Or “Hasn’t Scratched Yet.” Or “You’ll Wonder Where The Yellow Went When You Brush Your Teeth With Pepsodent.” Or “Bet You Can’t Eat Just One.” Or “It’s The Water.” Or “When It Rains It Pours.” Or “I love my Mounds.”

However, unlike these latter proclamations which do not have the power of law-enforcement behind them but just persuasional impetus behind them, the Bill Of Rights is just, bam, the way things are, motherfucker, bow down and praise the valor of the brave men who determinedly jumped up and down hysterically to insist these be included into our glorious Constitution or else they would hold their breath unless these rights that aren’t rights be proclaimed as wondrous insurance policies againsteth tyrannies! There is no “Shall I buy this product?” decision-making required regarding the Bill of Rights. The decision has already been made: They’re here. They’re queer. They’re not going to go away.

My apologies to the gay community of delightful rectal wranglers and stentorian strident tribadists for borrowing your war cry of crotch-focused righteousness and groinal non-reproductive protocols without permission.

So let’s get to it, shall we? And just as a taste?….because I am sure you haven’t ever noticed?….which is the case with most things with most Americans regarding the Constitution?…..5 of the 10 – that would be one-half of the Bill of Rights’ “rights”…..cannot even be used or invoked or made manifest or stuck up your ass, or however you want to put it…..until you have either already been arrested or are about to be.

Which tells me, and I don’t know what the fuck it tells you, but it tells me that whoever contrived and concocted this list of ten arbitraries must have had a good premonition that this Constitution thing was gonna result in a lotta free and newly-liberated citizens getting scooped up by total strangers and put into a pen.

It’s like they were saying “This whole thing is a whopping crock and a little too reeking of sneaky British duplicity which we are trying to pretend has been vanquished from our shores and is not actually still fully engrained in this pompous Royal Pronouncement: we gotta do something to make sure that whoever buys into this nutsack of Enlightened Nothingness gets reassured that what is happening to them is not actually happening to them, that it’s not arrest and confiscation of their liberty and property under the Mandatory Constitution but rather a golden opportunity to experience first hand the righteousness and beauty and wisdom of us Founding Fathers in giving them an entire 50% of the glorious and righteous Bill of Rights to run-towards and grasp ahold of and cling to in glorious thanksgiving to our wisdom and foresight that they have these pre-arrest, during-arrest, and post-arrest rights to hug mightily to their bosoms and joyously shout aloud the praises of us here today now farting in this room of unbathed skin, whiskey breath, and cigar smoke, that we had the presence of mind to wrap-around their shivering-cold arrested bodies….. this warm and comforting downey blanket of Five Mighty Rights for them to invoke as they are hastened to their concrete cells in the land of the free.

So let’s start with Right Number One!

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

So, to begin, talk about fucking-up right out the gate, creating a “constitutional government” is in itself the establishment of a religion. Not to shock anyone. It’s called “a secular religion.” The deity is you. Secular religions have replaced pagan religions as being more specifically demonic. Pagan religions ignore Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews. Demonic religions are specifically at war with Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews.
In a secular religion You have “the power.” “All power to the people” as the Communists like to say. You are the god. You are the deity. There is not a political speech made in American history that does not remind you how powerful you are and how the might of the inherent greatness of your empowermenthood is infused into your very groinage, buttocks, and anal ducts just by you standing upon a portion of the conquered terrain that those who “interpret” the Constitution for you have allowed you to stand on.

Prior of course, to eventual arrest at some point down the road. As guaranteed by the Constitution. At which time the terrain you are standing on will be replaced by new terrain for you to stand on after arrest. Since, at this writing, 2023 AD, these are probably the last days of the USA as a so called “sovereign nation” you should be advised that your “godhead” – meaning you as a deity – is being slowly transferred off of you and onto Planet Earth itself.

You are about to officially lose your godlike status. Earth is becoming the new deity. We’re moving toward a more pagan, less demonic state of affairs, so that’s good. Thank you Jesus! Crimes against the planet as opposed to crimes against other people are eventually going to be enforced via a “planetary-rights constitution” written by basically the same swaggering cigar-smoking bureaucrats who wrote the American Constitution only it will be a global constitution enforced, most likely, by Mother Nature. We’ll be living like Neanderthals once again, basically. To keep the earth safe. Until then your secular-religious supernatural god-powers at least still do extend to affecting world climate and inhibiting the spread of routinely-occurring unstoppable, annual, instantly-global cold-and-flu seasonal virus mutations. I love your powers and abilities, comrade!

Regarding the “free exercise of religion,” the free exercise of religion for Muslims includes killing or enslaving all non-Muslims, copulating with prepubescent girls, committing suicide in order to kill infidels, which is every non muslim, murdering family members with impunity, beating women relentlessly, eradicating “man’s best friend,” the terrestrial house dog, and specifically declaring Jews and Christians the worst of humanity and in fact not actually humans at all but rather monkeys and pigs, which I believe Allah refers to Jews and Christians as, and which free exercise of religion for them, them being Islamists, includes flying modern, large, filled with paying passengers unfamiliar with Islam, jet aircraft into magnificent skyscrapers, toppling the skyscrapers and killing thousands of people sitting quietly in spacious offices trying to make a living.

Unlike the predatory brain-shredded diabolical culturally inbred hellspawn with the box cutters. So expect to be dealing with jihad personally since your government is not going to interfere with this Constitutionally-guaranteed free exercise of religion. And expect to be punished for it should you win the fracas.

Not “abridging” the “freedom of speech” means you can say things. Unless of course you say a forbidden word or a to-be-announced word or any word to be defined down the road and depending on the day or the color of the moon as having been prompted by the emotion called “hate” while hitting anyone at all in the face with your fist. Or with a bludgeon. Or with a hand grenade. Or just saying the word.

Other bits of vocabulary are routinely added to the list of things you are not actually free to say without governmental consequences. Even though these words are not specifically iterated in any law. It’s kind of an unwritten law of the Constitution randomly brought into existence by The Authorities if they fear for example their town or the town of a friend is going to be burned to the ground by illegal inhabitants should The Authorities – or you – call them, for example, illegal inhabitants rather than, say, the now-mandatory indigenous immigrants or migratory refugees or righteous roving adventurers or self-transplanting explorers or any other quaint reference to travel-related movement of vast hordes of third world Pleistocene-minded barbarians so long as they are not called colonialists. Which illegal inhabitants now number in the millions. Most of them males of military age.

Though you don’t need to be a specific age to blow yourself and half the town up with Allah-approved explosives attached to your balls since Islamic children routinely travel the road that leads to celestial virgins assumed in the Koran but not actually specified in the Koran to be human females.

“Freedom of the press” has come to be interpreted as freedom for anyone in “journalism,” whether or not he’s a pamphleteer with an 18th century printing press… to commit slander and libel with impunity as long as “persons who spoke under conditions of anonymity” or “sources close to so-and-so…” are the ones being claimed as the actual speakers and purveyors of the data. On the rare occasion when a journalist is ordered by government to reveal his “sources” the journalists says “Go fuck yourself” to the government and the government backs off and goes and fucks itself since journalists have a “blue wall” even more secure and impenetrable than the one cops have.

It gets better for journalists: as things are now, the holders of the only non-government job-description that is mentioned in the Constitution – namely journalists – are not only allotted special sanctuary from governmental attack, in fact, in common parlance, journalists have been elevated to a mystical social-holiness status called “the fourth estate,” right up there with – get this – the Church, the State, and the People. Plumbers do not have this distinction. Uber drivers do not have this distinction. Even members of the Screen Actors Guild do not have this distinction but that is probably only temporary.

The right of people to peaceably assemble and “petition the government” means you are permitted to complain and gather into clumps and grouse so long as that’s all you do. This was magnificently demonstrated during one of the Bundy-Family Performances, this time in Nevada when the Bundy ranchers were grazing cattle on “government land” which is basically all the land, including your house, within the map’s description of the boundaries of the USA.

A large bunch of the citizenry showed up to confront whichever police force was ordered to handle things, and the police force thoughtfully placed a large wire enclosure on the desert terrain and placed a hand-written cardboard sign on it that read “First Amendment Section.” The approaching citizenry, some on horses, all of them armed, were being directed to peacefully assemble inside the corral. Which was their First Amendment Right. For the first and probably last time in recent American history the normal industrious American populace not only neglected to obey the suggestion… they were very excited about being this far from opening fire on the badly out gunned government-paid imbeciles when suddenly the government-paid imbeciles said to each other, “Fuck this” and got in their SUV’s and hightailed it the hell out of there.

As far as you’re concerned, redressing grievances to the government means you can complain by barking at the moon or by sending them a letter by mail and you won’t get arrested for complaining. You have, in other words, the right to complain. You do not have the right to disobey, however. Apparently, there was some anticipation by the concocters of the Constitution that there might be grievances somewhere down the line.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The commas after Militia and Arms, is part of the original. These masters of Social Perfection First time Out couldn’t even proofread. Or more likely, if I know bureaucrats, couldn’t be bothered proofreading. There’s lots of errant commas in this list, probably from laziness, and which commas are now regarded as aids to “interpretation” of the text and is probably why the Supreme Court (invented out of thin air by the same people who didn’t proofread) has so wild and wooly a time “interpreting” the Constitution: it’s just too ambiguous to read as written which means it must be “alive” and subject to spontaneous change, like, say, your underwear, only more often.

You would think these 27 mispunctuated words in this solitary sentence would be easy to understand. This is not so! For 200 + years this sentence has been investigated, parsed, scrutinized, examined, diagramed and pondered about more than the Dead Sea Scrolls. There is no Rosetta Stone for these 27 words. They are arranged in such a way that the philosophical powers and might of America’s Top Lawyers have not managed to unravel the labyrinths and complexities and fractal-like meanderings into infinities of infinities that this sentence, to them, apparently manifests within itself.

Now, a person with the reading comprehension of a bilingual 6-year-old Chinese girl fluent in Chinese, English, and perhaps very likely French and German, would interpret this 27-word sentence as meaning the operators of A-10 Warthogs would be free to, if they wished, purchase a fully loaded one for themselves from the manufacture and weapons-maker and fly it home, and be free to use it for random strafes of the US/Mexican border while releasing several multi-second BRRRRRRRT-noised ordnance barrages to rain down fire and unholy death to raiding and invading armies of outsiders seeking to overrun the legitimate populace and claim the previously conquered territories to now be newly-conquered territories for themselves.

This is not the case. This is illegal. The 2nd Amendment does not consider up-to-date militia weaponry to be appropriate for the present day militia-citizenry. If you were to obtain one of the military jets and it’s armaments and counter-attack and kill the present-day invading armies that the government is not counter-attacking….the government that is not counter-attacking the invaders would attack you. Unanimously! There would be no debating or filibustering the matter or putting it up for a vote 20 times a day. You would be fucked-with immediately and permanently, especially for conquering the enemy, which has not been allowed to US Militia Personnel since Korea.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

This magnificent right that you think probably means something innocuous and out of date actually states that not only can you be forced to house a soldier in your home in peace and in war….. because the side the soldier is on has not been specified – it can be an enemy soldier.

This is its true meaning thanks to the “but in a manner to be prescribed by law” remark. Because “in a manner to be prescribed by law” is bureaucrat lawyer con artist language for saying “unless we say different down the road.” Because laws change whimsically and often. But saying “in a manner to be prescribed by law” instead of “until we change it” sounds so much more regal and noble and very properly British, don’t you see, quite so, oh I dare say, good-O old chap, right you are my good man, jolly good….. that you are lulled by the grandeur of “but in a manner prescribed by law” into not actually paying attention to what is and what isn’t actually being said by these Rights Creators.

In other words “but in a manner prescribed by law” means “You can do this unless we say you can’t.” Also those random all-over-the-place commas are like golden passkeys to total tyranny to the lawyers on the Supreme Court.

To those mother fuckers a comma is like ten new paragraphs of invisible ink that only they can see and read. Talk about rigging the gaming table. I will give the Founders this: they were honest enough to say right up front “We’re fucking with you” in plain language.

Apparently they gambled on your love and respect for government and the State to successfully override your two fucking eyes. The “soldiers” that you will likely be forced to house in your home sometime, probably very soon, in the future will be the sad-expressioned cunning feral wayfarers now crowding the border and likely being armed by the CIA, the FBI, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Merrick Garland, probably still Eric Cockholder and Barack Obama, and Homeland “Security.”

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

And now we come to the Bold As Brass section of the Bill of Rights, if you are paying attention, which is not likely, where you are being warned that an apparatus is being installed into place being called The United States Government that will at some point subject you to instantaneous forcible relocation called “arrest” even though you are Free, at least between arrests, and subject to conditions within such “free”nesses between arrests that might get you arrested again, and you are to be informed that these arrests actually are your rights.

This is all being made possible by the deceptively benign and reassuring “don’t worry” words “probable cause.” Probable cause means “Ok, arrest this guy.” It is draped in sanctimonious reassurances of “swearing of oaths” – which Jesus says is Luciferian but what the fuck does he know about the legal system or bureaucrats, or Lucifer, he only personally talked to the fucker and ordered him around – and draped with blather about proper channels and complicated hallways full of safeguards and reassurances.

Like when Obama assured you you can use your own doctor. In other words, you have the right to be arrested, you have the right to be seized, you have the right to be searched, you have the right to have your alleged castle searched and you have the right to have your property, not to mention your children, seized, and by implication, as evidenced by precedent and factual experience, have your seized children transported, relocated and reassigned guardians, almost always strangers, many of whom are either overly fond of children or who detest them and consider them abortion escapees.

These tyrannies are being called rights because you are a hope-springs-eternal presumptive Christian idiot counting on the God of Israel to do all your thinking and fighting for you, while you put your actual faith and trust in government to keep you from harm and so that you can “stay safe.” You’ve been hearing that a lot lately, haven’t you. It’s not new. It’s just lately more obvious. Because that Constitution is now at full throttle. How’s grandma? What’s that? You’re not allowed to see her? That’s because you’re both under “house arrest” but at separate facilities in order to keep you both safe.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence (sic) to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

You might want to fasten your fuckin’ seat belt for this one, pilgrim. This is a bucketload of ambiguous words in a small space, quite an achievement for lawyers, they usually need a lotta paper to fuck you hard in the ass.

Not the case here! This solitary sentence of 108, count ‘em, 108 words, including one “except,” one “unless,” and two “withouts,” is the most blatant assumption that you are an idiot in human history with the clear exceptions of the claims that you affect the climate and that you losing your job to a non-existent unprecedented worldwide disease that miraculously now has a cure if you get your mandatory shots is keeping you safe. Governments, at least the US ones, are not strangers to gauging you as an idiot since for 200 + years you and your deceased antecedents have been declaring American bureaucrats wise overseers and purveyors of justice.

This Adam Schiff pile of ass-splat declares you shall be arrested and jailed for a capital – #ff0000 – or infamous – undefined – crime whether you are a citizen or in the military whenever anything is declared worthy of you being thus arrested etc: that you can actually be tried twice for the same crime (This is now routine. It’s not even a thing. In fact count on it), you can be compelled to witness against yourself, you can be deprived of life liberty and property if “due process” (meaning whatever legal hoops have to be dealt with in order to accomplish whatever it is this earlier-says can’t happen) and your real estate can be confiscated if “justly compensated.”

“Just compensation” is “Ha ha, sucker” totally undefined. It’s that “except” and that “unless” and those two “withouts” that nullify immediately everything that goes before them. You’re just not supposed to actually notice this. And you probably haven’t. I would bet on it. Good thing I showed up, huh? I know what you’re saying: “None of this is true.”

Shall we move on?

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence (sic).

By the way, the misspellings of defense and offense in this thing? They’re in the original. Remember that proof-reading thing? Yeah. There wasn’t any. Too tiring. Way too much trouble. Not important. It’s the words that count. Turns out that’s true, but no one is paying any attention to those. No one not in office at any rate.

Moving along, Right Number 6, after you are arrested of course, gives you the “right” to a “trial” in which you are presumed guilty, not innocent, or you wouldn’t have been fucking arrested, until declared, not actually proven, not guilty.You’ll notice that the word “enjoy” is thrown into the mix; you will enjoy this right that is not actually anything close to a right but is in fact a punishment, you will enjoy this, this is something you will enjoy.

You will get enjoyment out of this. This will be enjoyable. You will enjoy an enjoying enjoyment as this enjoyousness happens to you Plus you get to actually be informed why you are there in handcuffs, and you get to have a lawyer to talk legal language to the legal-language authorities incarcerating you so that you can experience this Right that kicks-in after being arrested under a previous right. As an added enjoyment, all the people doing these enjoyment things to you, including the lawyers, are living off your dime. You are paying them to do this to you.

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

I have no idea what this means. Why this is a “right” and not just an explanation of a declared-out-of-the-blue procedure I do not know. I did not graduate from Harvard Law School.

Some minor research told me that “British common law” is involved. This is the first sign of honesty I have come across so far, namely that this entire Constitution Crap has as its parents all the kings and queens of England in history: renowned liars and ruthless administers of tyranny and conquest at will and at whimsy and who we thought were driven off American shores and back to England.

Apparently a whopping fucking lot of them stuck around to bring back the old days after a 13-year hiatus of no government and no chaos and everyone got along with the Indians.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Welcome to more jail rights. This mighty and magnificent Right of 16 words actually says nothing. Excessive is not defined, cruel is not defined and unusual is not defined.

What is made clear is the word inflicted. It’s like Jeffrey Dahmer wrote the Bill of Rights. The assumption is made – it can be argued – that the committee who created this – whatever this is – had a hunch that the amount and degree and quantity of arrests under the new, mandatorily-imposed Constitution, was going to be so fucking rampant that some limits on the levels of heinousness had to be put in place in order to at least give the appearance of rationality and empathy and some showcase level of Christian mercy, forgiveness and understanding, no matter how minute.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

I have no idea what this means. “Shall not be construed” by whom. “Deny or disparage” other what. Other rights?….the ones retained by the people? What people. U.S. citizens? What “other” rights? What rights are those.

What are you talking about? There are rights already in place? There are “certain rights?” That these new rights….whatever they are….don’t override? Or replace? Or discourage? Or remove? Are you serious? This is all arbitrary random Biden-level huffington puffery.

There are rights in the Constitution? Are you kidding? – you have to have all your God given or actual rights trampled out of existence before you can even use 50 fucking percent of these new-and-improved “certain” rights. Thank you for reassuring me that these majestic certain rights you have granted me will in no way interfere with the many millions of other certain rights I and the rest of “the people” are “retaining.” You’re a saint, Founding Randon-Access-Vocabulary Bureaucrat, or in other words, Gavin Newsom The First.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

This says that any power and authority and any other assault upon liberty that has somehow through some fantastic oversight not been granted to the Federal Government – and there is nothing that has not been granted to the Federal government – can be imposed upon the residents of all the States via the State Authorities of that State.

Any powers that are left after that onslaught of laws, restrictions, regulations and nationalizations “belong to the people.” Meaning city and county government. Not actually “the people.”

This means that while the Federal Government now rules the States and everyone in them, specific instances of accidental elements of personal liberty found to be remaining can be eradicated by county and local government, local government being the actual “the people,” or the inhabitants of cities and counties, as long as they’re in office in the cities and counties.

Not “the actual people.” Not you, in other words. Also in other words, anything the Feds have not locked down as being illegal, the States and counties and cities can lock them down until further notice.

And there ya have it! Now remember: I didn’t write the Bill of Rights or the Constitution. In fact no writers did. People like The Squad did. People in the original Swamp. America’s first “public-office holders,” in other words. Not professional “nation designers.” They had no prior experience at creating paradise here on earth or starting “rights-filled nations.” And it shows. And it got approved. All I did was read what they wrote. I didn’t write it. I just read it. So don’t blame me for any of this shit. I’m just the messenger. Gob bless! Thank you.

“Know your rights. These are your rights.”_____The Clash

end

The Ups and Downs of Print Media
by Bandit and a handful of Editors

I thought I might check in on the Motorcycle Magazine industry, specifically the chopper guys. F***, I didn’t know what I was diving into. A couple of years ago only one magazine survived the cost issues, the internet competition and the distribution expenses, Cycle Source.

Some magazines went sorta underground, changed their formats and dropped out of the retail market. Then Chopper Magazine returned with a large glossy format, quality printing but subscription only.

Click Here to Read this study of the Chopper Print Media Business, only on Bikernet.com

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What is the Cantina? Its Freedom to Ride your Motorcycle! Check out Membership Benefits by clicking here.

by Rogue

I have gotten use to having a garage door opener on my motorcycle. As I prepare to install one on my new 2022 Harley Ultra Limited, I wanted to let you know that some of the procedures are different depending on the model motorcycle.

It is very important that you follow the instruction that come with the opener and also check if any other parts are necessary. Having a Harley Davidson Service Manual for your specific motorcycle is highly recommended.

Click Here to Read this Tech and Tip only on Bikernet.com

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Visit the Free Tech Section only on Bikernet.com: click here

 

I thought I might check in on the Motorcycle Magazine industry, specifically the chopper guys. Fuck, I didn’t know what I was diving into. A couple of years ago only one magazine survived the cost issues, the internet competition and the distribution expenses, Cycle Source. Some magazines went sorta underground, changed their formats and dropped out of the retail market. Then Chopper Magazine returned with a large glossy format, quality printing but subscription only.

I got caught up in a recent editorial: Here we are with another issue of everyone’s favorite chopper rag. Issue 10 is jam-packed with some of the best bikes we’ve featured to date, including one from the legendary chopper builder Micah McCloskey.

As a longtime fan of Micah’s builds featuring his Panhead is an honor, hence the cover. When Keith Ball offered to do the write-up, I was equally honored. It’s not every day you get legends in the chopper game to be in your magazine. If you don’ know who Keith Ball is, you might know him from his longtime pen name, Bandit.

Bandit is responsible for the Easyriders of yesteryear we all loved and cherished. He has also written a few books, including Outlaw Justice and Sam “Chopper” Orwell.

I couldn’t ask for a better tribute and Choppers Magazine is a standout publication with high quality sheet-fed printing, and layout by the master art director, Beatnik. It’s a magazine devoted to old school choppers and West Coast events.

“I Think Choppers Magazine is doing the right thing, heavy paper, so it looks good for years,” said Guy Bolton the publisher of Greasy Kulture in England. “In Japan, they use stamp size photos to put as many folks as possible in the magazines?! Making them buy…”

Here’s a major challenge to our magazine industry. When Easyriders started in 1971, it was the one and only lifestyle magazine for us chopper freaks. If you wanted wild action, we were the only game on the planet. Think about that for a minute, while you ponder the perfect example of the changing times challenge. When I sent Michael Lichter to cover the Sturgis rally in 1979 there were just 12,000 brothers peeling into the area to burn the toilets down in City Park, by the 50th anniversary in 1990, 500,000 brothers and sisters scrambled into the Black Hills for the shoot-out anniversary.

Imagine the variety of bikes at that rally in 1990. No magazine could cover everything featured at that one explosion of chopper/custom/bagger action. Harley-Davidson played a major roll with the introduction of the Evo drivetrain and then the FXR. Guys could ride all over the world with an Evo under them and they did. So, think about the 50th anniversary crew of family guys, women riders, outlaws, custom builders, touring riders, long distance riders, off-road guys, tech heads, chopper guys, performance guys, road racers, you name it.

Then something else happened, the internet. The internet exploded with websites and a challenge to every print publication. But then social media took the wind out of the web site sales and killed reading or maybe not. That’s a major question now? Does the average guy read anymore, or does he go to Facebook to see his pal’s new dog, make a comment like, “cool,” and he’s done? The problem is a growing population and no generalization fits. There are still builders who want all the tech they can get their hands on. Ah, but what tech, bagger tech, performance tech, old school tech, restoration tech, or? Okay, you get the picture.

CYCLE SOURCE

One team has stood out over the last ten years. Chris Callen, Heather and the Cycle Source Magazine crew have studied the action, the technology, the internet, social media, podcasts and YouTube for 20 years and if anyone can or attest to the daunting challenges of an ever- changing motorcycle communications industry, Chris can. Plus, he’s the non-stop manager with the creative energy to try everything successfully. Plus, he’s a no-bullshit enthusiast. He does it all. He builds bikes, in fact the last time we spoke he was building a stretched rigid frame from the ground up. He’ll cover it on YouTube, podcasts, his website and in the magazine.

I had a strange experience at Hot Bike when they hired me to be the editorial director of their three titles. Prime media was a massive organization trying to grapple with all the costly changes technology threw at them and 44 magazine titles. My vision was similar to Chris’s but turning a multi-million-dollar cruise liner into the wind to handle the tsunami of internet waves headed directly at the bow was tough. I packed my seabag and returned to the Bikernet.com hideaway in San Pedro, where a biker could be a biker and fuck the corporate world.

Whether they like it or not publishers are directionally challenged with each issue. Where are they going and what code of the west do they abide by?

More recently Classic Easyriders started to publish monthly and reached into the troubled magazine newsstand distribution chains. The new publisher Ray Pelosi was involved in the return of another national magazine and wanted to bring Easyriders back. He had a deal with Joe Teresi, the owner to repropose all the issues on CD libraries but decided to step up to print. Ray hired Dave Nichols, Mike Lichter, and the magnificent New York art director Regina Marsh. Mike Lichter, master of motorcycle photography, scrambled around the country covering bikes, old builders and events with his son Sean. They produced 60-70 pages of content each issue only to part ways during the production of the recent January issue. Other business issues have surfaced but I will let Dave, who edits ER as a parttime endeavor, while maintaining a fulltime job, explain the direction for 2023.

After an exciting year back as the world’s “biker’s bible,” Easyriders magazine kickstarts 2023 with some exciting changes including more of what our readers tell us they want. Namely, more of what made the original biker rag great. We are adding biker fiction stories, gut-bustin’ humor with our Passin’ Gas page, more lifestyle-inspired art and cartoons, tantalizing tech tips, and even articles from our V-Twin Vault of past runs, rallies, parties, events and classic custom bike features.

Our editors have also started up a new quarterly publication for those of you who miss the nudity in Easyriders. We call it the Best Bikes & Babes and each 100-page issue will showcase 10 tempting naked girls astride some of the county’s coolest custom motorcycles. Now you can have it all – we’ll keep you up to date with the biker culture in our monthly Easyriders magazine, and for those who can’t get enough boobies in their life, there’s Best Bikes & Babes available four times a year.

Most magazines slipped away from nudity as their customers aged and started families. Some sorta slipped underground like Dice and GreasyKulture. They changed their sizes and became subscription only.

DICE MAGAZINE

If you have gear-head tendencies and want to see motorcycles being put together in the basements, garages, and woodsheds around the world … the kind of machines that are fondled by the wild-eyed and sleepless … then here you are.

History

The year is 2004, the bike scene at the time is all about fat tires, chopper TV shows, billet aluminum and theme builds. Two young punk rockers in London weren’t seeing the things they liked, so they did what they had to do. Matt Davis and Dean Micetich got friends with bikes together, shot some photos and started DicE Magazine.

Over the last 18 years they’ve exposed people the world over to motorbikes with their inclusive, fun, DIY approach that is a breath of fresh air in the often-uptight biker world.

DicE is constantly evolving and growing with one idea in mind: life is too short to be serious.

GREASY KULTURE

Is another sorta Readers Digest sized magazine made up most of bobber bike features, sans billet, but honoring an occasional chromed out chopped Panhead. Guy Bolton, the publisher/editor pours his life into every issue with a strict code. It’s mostly garage built bikes with no bikes shot in studios.

Greasy Kulture is a name that’s been established on the custom motorcycle scene for 20 years.

Here are thoughts from the master, Guy Bolton: Starting as a blog (remember them?) then becoming a print magazine in 2007, Greasy Kulture then went on to start selling choice heritage brands alongside its own publications and merchandise in 2015.

The chopper magazine market has changed a lot since I started Greasy Kulture magazine 15 years ago; back in 2007 my only real competition (at least for the traditionally styled bikes we favor) was DicE magazine – also started by a couple of Englishmen. And it still is.

In that 15 years, numerous chopper titles have come and gone: some independent self-published titles (like mine) and some ‘revived’ classic newsstand titles from the sixties and seventies. I think the big publishers continue to struggle to find a business model that works for chopper magazines: all the classic titles have been revived with great fanfare, only to fall again by the wayside.

Why has Greasy Kulture survived when nearly every other title has failed? Because I do everything myself (layouts, writing, distribution and sometimes photography) so overheads are low. I concentrate on the bikes and the owners and their stories. Readers know by now that if they want event or lifestyle coverage, they need to go elsewhere. I also understand that it’s not a huge money-maker; I accept the financial limitations of what I’m doing. I keep it small, focused, grassroots and good quality.

As for the chopper magazine market, I think the immediate future belongs still to independent publications. Newsstand titles will continue to appear – then disappear – as publishers realize there’s no money in them. Online content will increase its dominance (and advertisers will continue to move out of print) and as paper, print and shipping costs continue to soar, even independent magazines may find the squeeze too much and give up. I am holding on doggedly, but even I can see that print publishing is in terminal decline.

The Japanese chopper magazines, however – Roller and Ripper, etc. – continue to offer constant inspiration. These titles’ quality – paper stock, design, photography and the bikes featured – is the best in the world. I don’t know how they do it.

Plans for Greasy Kulture? Just to keep going. It gets harder every issue; production and shipping costs increase almost monthly, but I can’t keep putting the cover price up. I’ve had a long-held ambition to turn the magazine into a Rodders Journal for choppers: a quarterly, book-quality publication. With the right investment, perhaps it will happen one day.

When the magazine started, I sold half the print run wholesale to stores; but they have mostly gone bust. I now sell to a few select stores around the world, but the magazine survives mostly on online sales and subscriptions and with the support of some loyal advertisers: Biltwell and Lowbrow Customs have advertised with me since day one and the mag would not exist without them – truly solid, good guys.

Future looks tough for print, merch helps to bring in cash.

–Guy Bolton

There’s another formula used by a few publishers in different industries, which works. It’s membership publishing like the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Their publication is steller, inspiring, historic and informative. Join the club and receive the tons of inspiring antique motocycle info in their top-notch magazine for free.

FROM THE AMCA MAGAZINE BOSS

With the majority of the motorcycle industry going digital only with their magazines, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America is committed to providing its more than 12,000 members with a printed magazine. Hey, we are the AMCA, we are old school. For most of our members, sitting in our easy-chair reading the club’s bi-monthly magazine is one of the pure joys in life.

The paper shortages are currently forcing us to hold to an 84-page format for now and we are absorbing the price increases. The Antique Motorcycle is proud to be one of, if not, the best motorcycle magazines in the world dedicated to the classic, vintage and antique motorcycle market. It’s not just a club magazine, we take pride in our professional photography and editorial content as a coffee table magazine.

Just recently Jordon is endeavoring to revive Hot Bike Magazine:
HOT BIKE 2023 Print Magazine Relaunch!

Help bring HOT BIKE Magazine back in 2023! Now independently owned and operated, we need your help in printing this iconic mag for YOU!

Look, it’s real simple. We’re bored with social media. We like magazines. We think you do too.

That said, we’re asking for your help in bringing HOT BIKE Magazine back to print in 2023! HOT BIKE magazine has been an iconic part of American history and is the archetype of American V-twin performance and custom culture since 1971.

Due to the corporate bean counters who saw HOT BIKE magazine as a “line item” the magazine temporarily ceased publishing in 2019… Until now!

After acquiring the rights to this iconic brand, the new independently owned and operated HOT BIKE owners felt you fine folks were worth reading an actual magazine once again.

We’re working hard to bring this iconic, 50-year-old print magazine back in 2023 but we cannot do it without your support.

We’ve secured the right printers using quality materials. We’ve hired the best photographers and writers who know their shit. We’ve curated the best overall humans (no algorithms to speak of) to help bring this magazine back to your doorsteps in 2023.

How Your Funds Are Spent

First thing’s first. We realize $210,000 seems like a lot of dough to cough up for some magazines and swag. But we’re not bringing back an iconic piece of American history to skimp on quality. You deserve the best, which is what we’re aiming to deliver.

FEES: We’ll immediately take 10% off the top ($21,000) to go toward Kickstarter fees (5% campaign fees, 5% processing fees).

PRINTING: Of course, printing a magazine these days is pretty costly too as paper is at an all-time premium. To print one issue, we’re looking at approximately $25,000-$30,000 ($100,000-$120,000 for all 4 issues) just for the paper, ink, printing processes and postage. But every issue will feature a high-quality product with thick paper stock that we know you’ll appreciate.

CONTENT: Then there are the funds needed to pay for the inside editorial content (high-quality photos and articles ain’t cheap either). And of course, the art direction and design will be put together by the best and brightest who know this culture. We’re budgeting about $15,000 for each issue for this (approx. $60,000).

SWAG: The last piece to the campaign puzzle are the costs to produce the cool, limited-edition gifts which ends up being about $5,000.

Please support the re-launch of HOT BIKE in 2023! Please support independent publishing! We do this for the love of our industry and the love of great storytelling. Help us bring these two passions back directly to you. We greatly appreciate your time and effort and look forward on taking you on this ride with us!

–Jordon

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/supporthotbike/hot-bike-2023-print-magazine-relaunch

They have currently raised only $78,000 and the first deadline is lingering in the near future.

There has been a profusion of paper industry news and printers and publishers alike are dealing with the impact. Mill closures continue, as do mergers, acquisitions, and mills shifting focus to produce packaging materials. Production capacity is diminishing. Raw materials (pulp, chemicals), fuel and energy, and transportation costs are experiencing double- and in some cases triple-digit increases. The effects of the pandemic and inflation are contributing factors as well.  

Supply is low, demand is high. Paper mill order books are full, with limits now being imposed on paper purchasers to prevent stockpiling. Resultingly, lead times are being extended, some now at 10 to 12 weeks out. Quick-turn paper orders are rare. 

With mill closures and reduced production comes scarcity or elimination of certain brands. Thankfully, the Grade Paper Program allows for substitutions within a grade of paper at the same quality and specifications as a brand that may no longer be available. 

Price increase announcements have been coming with increasing frequency. Coated freesheet, uncoated, newsprint, groundwood…  paper type isn’t the issue. Increases are occurring across the board, and indications point to more increases on the way for the summer. The afore mentioned contributors – pulp prices, rising energy costs, and pervasive freight issues – are significantly eroding mill margins, which in turn spurs the mills to raise prices to try to recoup their losses. The price of pulp alone, already high due to Asian pulp speculation activity, has skyrocketed over 35% just this year as a result of increased lumber demand during the pandemic, among other factors. 

Here’s a quick look at specific products and resources that are experiencing extraordinary circumstances:  

Lumber: Lumber prices are up over 400% vs. year ago! Why? It’s not about a shortage of trees. Canadian lumber tariffs and an unexpected intense spike in home remodeling and home building brought upon by the pandemic are the primary factors, as well as transportation delays. 

Crude Oil: Crude oil is up about 40% since the beginning of the year, with prices expected to hit $80 per barrel. As the economy surges back, Americans are driving and flying again and will feel the effects. Oil production hasn’t kept pace with demand and the U.S. in particular may be slower to rebuild supply due to new initiatives to reduce hydrocarbon assets and goals toward net zero emissions. 

Workforce: The national workforce shortage – deemed a “national economic emergency” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – is a direct result of the pandemic. The main drivers of the labor shortage are fears of returning to work and getting the virus, child care due to at-home schooling, elder care as nursing homes became unattractive due to COVID outbreaks, and the $300 per week in emergency federal unemployment, which has kept many who otherwise would be in entry level jobs at home. Although the extra unemployment benefits are set to expire in September 2021, at least half of the states have announced plans to cancel them ahead of schedule, to hopefully motivate more people to seek jobs. The rollout of vaccinations and the resultant drop in COVID infections have set the stage to reverse the drivers of the labor shortage, but over what period of time we do not know. 

Transportation: Trucking and shipping woes continue, with reduced freight load-to-truck ratios – particularly in the North American south and west – driving transportation costs up significantly. Availability of drivers, ports disrupted by COVID outbreaks, and the resulting disarray of container locations/availability all contribute to a less predictable delivery process. Oh – and then there was that ship that got stuck sideways in the Suez Canal! 

Hang on!

–CJKGroup.com

Now for a Note from Scandinavia

Printed magazines are getting rare. However, some survive like Scanbike now 30 years and counting.

It was started by HAMC members in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. First bimonthly but now four copies a year and digital alternative.

BIG TWIN

Started by Björn Glansk Some 15 years ago. Ex-cop murder investigator, turned to magazines for the high-end CEO CFO guys.

He then decided to start Big Twin as a Harley-Davidson only mag. In the beginning it had the HOG group feeling but now contains a mix of long Fork Swedish STYLE and bagger modifications, performance updates.

His crew work for Free or some dimes.
Price will go up in 2023 due to printing cost and shipping also headache!

Enthusiast for sure, you gotta live this lifestyle
Money That’s another World…

–Sheriff
Sheriff media empire
Sweden

Wow, so what do you glean from all this info? First, a print magazine is always king. I don’t care if it’s Vogue or an old Street Choppers. There’s nothing like being featured in a real magazine. There’s nothing like a full-spread photo of your motorcycle or your favorite builder’s latest creation. There’s nothing like seeing an historic event, like the Smoke Out covered by Michael Lichter.

Some 40 years ago I worked with a woman, Mrs. Fisher. She was a copy editor and mentor. She said one day, “Many publishers get addicted to ink.” She was right. There’s nothing like creating a magazine and receiving the first copies from the printer. Way beyond bean counters’ concerns, that new issue is ink and paper magic. And as editors, we love to make that magic happen and share it with the world and our subscribers.

My philosophies with Bikernet included building one magazine and adding pages to it almost every day for 27 years now. But it’s still not a magazine you can mail to a friend and he can open it to a two-page spread of your bike flying along the Bonneville Salt Flats at 200 mph carefully captured with a high-speed digital camera by Scooter Shoots. There’s just nothing like it.

Bottom line, there are magazine challenges and obstacles aplenty, but if you can do what you love, you’re proud of every page and you pay the bills, Ride On!

American Prime Manufacturing is excited to announce..

Two new Comp Master™ Clutch’s for 2017- Present Milwaukee 8 Models

https://americanprimemfginc.com

Even with a pandemic, labor shortages, material shortages, SUPPLY CHAIN WOES….We did it anyhow!!!

Introducing the NEW Comp Master™ M8 models…

1056-0030 Comp Master™ Severe Duty Clutch

• Fits L2017-2021 M8 Models with OE Hydraulically actuated clutch.
• Bolt-in
• Just remove the stock OE clutch
• Built to hold large amounts of torque & HP
• Made in America

Available Soon!!

1056-0032 Comp Master™ Severe Duty Clutch

• Fits L2021-Present M8 Models with Cable actuated clutch.
• Bolt-in
• Just remove the stock OE clutch
• Built to hold large amounts of torque & HP
• Made in America

Available Soon!

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Stay updated on latest Motorcycle news, events, products, tech, tips, reviews, deals, fun & more. Click Here to view Membership options for Bandit’s Cantina

Answer Announces Partnership with BarX Suzuki 250 Team for 2023 Season

Fort Worth TX – January 5, 2023 – Answer Racing today announced its sponsorship of the BarX Suzuki racing team for the 250cc class in the 2023 Supercross and motocross seasons.

The BarX Suzuki team, which features riders Derek Drake, Carson Mumford, Robbie Wageman and Ty Masterpool, will sport Answer Racing jerseys, pants and gloves for their races in 2023. Team jerseys and pants will be from the company’s Elite product line and each race will feature a different color scheme, including an All-American design for Military Appreciation Day at the race in San Diego.

“Everyone at Answer Racing is thrilled to return to Supercross and motocross racing in 2023, this partnership with BarX Suzuki makes it really special. We are confident this will be a breakout year for these motivated young riders,” says Brent Ash, Brand Manager for Answer Racing.

“BarX is a great addition to Answer Racing’s support of elite amateurs and grass roots marketing efforts. Their young team will be exciting to watch,” says Nick Wey, Brand Ambassador for Answer Racing.

“We are thankful to have the support of Answer, with the style and quality they bring, our riders’ confidence is over the top,” said Myron Short, managing partner of Team BarX. “BarX Suzuki has very big goals for this year, and we strive to achieve them. Our riders and crew are working very hard leading into the 2023 season.”

“Wearing our top-of-the-line Elite gear, with a dynamic set of BarX and Answer Racing colors and graphics, will give the athletes a look that will stand out from the rest of the class,” Ash continued.

Answer Racing apparel products have long been the standard for high performance racing and off-road riding gear. The 2023 Supercross season will kick off at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on January 7, 2023.

About Answer Racing: Answer Racing was started in 1976 with a goal of providing hardcore motocross enthusiasts with products they could trust. Decades of champions were forged in the hearts and minds of Answer Racing’s creative engine. Fast forward to today and Answer Racing has not lost sight of the original vision, putting its nearly five decades of experience behind bars into every product. More information can be found at answerracing.com.

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Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter, Click to get your Kickstart today.

Ride In Bike Show Saturday January 7th

www.BornToRide.com

James Irwin – of “Bikers Helping Bikers” & www.healthinsurance65.com presents a spectacular Ride In Bike Show at Gibtown Bike Fest! Come meet James! When it comes to financial services, you want someone like James that helps bikers find money that they are loosing unnecessarily.

Special Appearance – Billy Lane, Krista Grotte.

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Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click Here to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

Hey,

Another magnificent day in Paradise. If you’re into politics I know you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into football, you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into chopper building, you’re on the edge of your bench trying to make shit happen.

I’m sorta on the edge of my seat over several elements of this year. There are new book projects, movie and TV efforts. It’s going to be damn exciting with new builds, going to the Texas mile to test the Salt Torpedo, then to Bonneville hopefully.

I’m reading Denis Manning’s book about Streamliners and LSR attempts. It’s amazing the shit that can and will go wrong. Let’s hit the news and then I’ll bring you up to speed on shop projects.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

ACTION FROM BILTWELL– L O U I S V I L L E K E N T U C K Y

The BroDown 2023

We’re bringing it back! The “Brodown” parties we threw at the old Cincinnati V-Twin Expos were legendary good times. Now in 2023, we’re going to the Drag Specialties NVP trade show which is for Drag dealers and vendors. Since trade shows are not open to the public and generally not super exciting times, we thought bringing back the BroDown with the band Dandelion Death might liven things up. This IS open to the public and there is NO cover charge.

Friday Night Jan 20, 2023
Doors Open At 7:00 PM
The Portal @ Fifteen Twelve
1512 Portland Ave, Louisville, KY

PRODUCT RESOURCE OF THE WEEK—Omaha Derby Covers

Irish Rich, the mad bike builder from Sturgis is a Sinner and worked with the bronze master in Omaha to make these derby covers but also air cleaner covers. This one will have a stud on the back and screw into stock air cleaner elements.

–Bandit

YEAR-END REVIEW FROM FEMA FIGHTING FOR US IN EUROPE—

Even though after the summer break most restrictions of the Covid19-measures were lifted, it soon became clear that there would be no return to the pre-pandemic normality. This did not stop us continuing our work. The number of visits to Brussels may be less than we were used to before 2020, we are still able to advocate the rights and interests of the European motorcyclists in Brussels and to a lesser extend in Geneva.

In this review we will first give a summary and then you will find the more detailed actions, ordered in the way of our strategic plan 2016-2026 by the four main topics.

To follow us, just click on your favourite social media channel.

Summary of actions

On the topic of environment and energy transition, part of the Fit for 55 package of the European Commission, we soon realized that in the European Union there is no political support at all for motorcycles, or other vehicles, on fossil fuels.

We therefore choose to lobby for internal combustion engines for longer distance motorcycles in general. In practice, this means motorcycles running on e-fuels and biofuels.

This is still an ongoing discussion, but with cars and vans, the door to these fuels is still a little open, so why not for motorcycles. Electric motorcycles can be a very good option for many users, but they need to be well facilitated with suitable charging opportunities. We lobbied to have small (L-category) vehicles included in the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

After the hype of automated vehicles, it now seems that manufacturers are focusing more on advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and partially automated and connected driving. We contacted Euro NCAP about the relation between these systems and motorcyclists, because many ADAS still do not react properly to motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers.

From 2023 ADAS will be tested by Euro NCAP with motorcycles and FEMA will be involved in the development of the tests of Advanced Rider Assist Systems (ARAS). Other road safety aspects like safe infrastructure and driving licences have also taken much of our time this year as you can see later.

Our privacy and the protection of our vehicle data (and therefore also our personal data) is still a growing issue of concern. We keep following the developments and act when and where appropriate.

To be able to better look after the interests of our UK stakeholders and limit unwanted consequences of Brexit for both the UK and continental riders, we intensified our cooperation with the UK National Motorcyclists Council (NMC).

Finally, many motorcyclists own a historic motorcycle, often without realizing that. We looked after their interests too in 2022 and will keep doing that.

Environment and energy

As mentioned, the energy transition played an important role in 2022. Because in the EU plans motorcycles are still not mentioned, we could not do much in political lobbying, but we keep asking attention for the alternatives like e-fuels to be able to keep buying and riding new motorcycles with an internal combustion engine after 2035.

For motorcyclists who prefer electric motorcycles, we lobbied to include powered two-wheelers in the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). We succeeded in that. Unfortunately there is no attention for the specific safety and security aspects of motorcycles in the AFIR, but here we kept lobbying to include these aspects in the charging infrastructure.

Sound did not play a big role in 2022, but on several occasions, we kept reminding the co-legislators that lowering the sound limit for new motorcycles is not the solution for the serious problem of noise annoyance. This solution must be found in a change in the culture of a part of the motorcycle community and enforcement.

The End-of-Life for Vehicles Directive kept us busy again too. On 24 and 25 March 2022 we attended a stakeholder meeting that was organized in order of the European Commission, and we lobbied again to keep motorcycles out of the scope of the End-of-Life for Vehicles Directive as this limits motorcycle owners to keep their motorcycles on the road in an affordable, sustainable and a responsible way. It would also limit owners of historic motorcycles to keep them running.

We took part in the UNECE Informal Working Group on Safer and Cleaner Used and New Vehicles for Developing Countries. (IWG on SCUNV), part of UNECE WP.29. The purpose of this working group is to regulate the export of used vehicles (including motorcycles) from Europe to other continents in a way that only clean and safe vehicles will be exported. We participate in this because we consider it as our duty to avoid the export of dirty and unsafe motorcycles to other continents.

Urban mobility /Future mobility

We had a meeting with the European Commission (EC) about SUMP (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans) formats. Together with ACEM and FIM we had written the European Commission to share our concerns about the way a survey of the European Commission ignored motorcycling as an option in SUMPs.

We contributed to several surveys on this topic. We also keep alerting policymakers and the public on the beneficial aspects of using a motorcycle also in urban areas.

Road safety

As in previous years, in 2022 we had several contacts with the European Commission about the driving license regulation. In March, FEMA’s General Secretary Dolf Willigers was a speaker in a workshop about driving licenses, organized by the European Commission. We keep telling all policymakers that the current staged access system has no benefits and only heightens the threshold to obtain a full A driving license. We also asked for further harmonization of the driving license regulation on aspects as riding a small motorcycle with an A license and riding with a trailer. Together with ACEM we are also looking in ways to better include electric motorcycles as test motorcycles in the directive. Finally, we kept telling all policymakers that the focus of the tests needs to be changed from low-speed technical skills to higher level cognitive skills.

The European Commission is preparing a change of the current PTI directive 2014/45/EU to include all powered two-and three-wheelers in all member states. We provided the Commission during and after a meeting with the head and an expert of the cabinet of transport commissioner Valean with information that proves that periodic technical inspections have only a negligible effect on road safety, contrary to other measures like better education, safe infrastructure, etcetera.

During several meetings, we were active again in the road safety project SAFE-UP to make cars safer for vulnerable road users as PTW-riders.

By participating in a survey and several meetings we contributed again at efforts to develop an e-Call system that is good and safe for motorcyclists. We are convinced that well developed e-Call system has a positive effect on diminishing the effects of incidents like crashes on motorcyclists, because emergency services can be quicker and better alerted and crashed motorcyclists can be better found after the incident.

Early 2022 and again on 14 September, we had meetings about the technical and legal requirements and type approval of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). Important for us as this can become within our scope in future, but also to avoid confusing incident figures of this kind of vehicles with those of motorcycles.

Together with our Swedish member organization SMC and several road safety experts we are participating in an IRAP-EuroRAP working group to develop recommendations for safer infrastructure and enhance the IRAP assessment system.

We initiated a revision of the Dutch lane splitting guideline, which is used as an example is several other countries, to include the emergency lane.

We contacted Euro NCAP to share our concerns regarding the way safety assist systems are tested, which in our view can give drivers a false sense of safety that can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Euro NCAP will have better tests form 2023 and also invited us to participate in the development of tests for Advanced Rider Assist Systems (ARAS) for motorcyclists.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Again in 2023 we were alert to developments that endanger the privacy of motorcyclists. For the time being this is a problem that mainly plays a role with cars, but in our view, it is just a matter of time before motorcycles are going to be “connected” and this can become an issue for us too. In April, we contributed to a public consultation on this topic.

We also kept an eye on ARAS for motorcycles and follow the lobby to make Intelligent speed assistance (ISA) mandatory for motorcycles, as it already is for new cars.

Other issues

Historic vehicles are keeping our attention. We did so by participating in the European Parliament Historic Vehicle Group, in our work on the End-of-Life for Vehicles Directive (ELV Directive), lobbying is several ways to keep riding a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine possible, in discussing historic vehicles with the European Commission and with, through a survey, developing a new definition of historic motorcycles that better meets the needs of motorcyclists.

The mobility between the UK and the EU still provides problems for those who do not ride their motorcycle themselves, but have it transported in a van or on a trailer. Together with the UK NMC we tried to get some clarification in this topic. In the end we think that we can give that now.

Early 2022, we published a revised set of the FIM-FEMA Joint Position Papers, that we presented together with FIM Europe during the IfZ 14th International Motorcycle Conference in Cologne early October. Next time the set of joint position papers will be from FEMA, FIM Europe, and NMC.

In December, FEMA was a guest in an American podcast. This was after we published an article about transport poverty and how motorcycles can keep people mobile with raising costs of cars and public transport. It turns out that our articles are read widely all over the world.

In the end of the year, we were confronted with a situation where a Dutch motorcyclist received a ticket from Uzbekistan for an alleged violation of ULEZ rules in London. We wondered how his personal information could be known by a private company in Uzbekistan and asked for Information about this from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority which is responsible for the Dutch vehicle registration databank. This is still pending.

FEMA’s Committee Meeting in Denmark
For the first time since the pandemic, FEMA was able to organize a real meeting for the member organizations, our first physical meeting since February 2020. The meeting was hosted by our member organization MCTC at the MC Touring Camp in Kolind, Denmark.

Written by Dolf Willigers
Photo’s courtesy of Wim Taal, Roelof Veldhuis, BMW, www.classicbikehub.uk

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

Motorcycles are the air we breathe, not something to be sold.
–Zack

KNUCKLEHEAD FEATURE OF THE WEEK—

Paul Davis, a young guy I met at Daytona built it, “Booger Watson” from Clarksville(?) TN. His father had a had a shop there. It’s a 68 cu in (EL bottom end with 74-inch bore). He said the cam was stock that they modified, FX frame, KR oil tank, seat was a Yamaha trials bike as I recall, Supertrapp dirt bike mufflers (which I started using on my bikes after that).

Bike was in a magazine (Choppers?) with claims of a bunch of performance stuff but that’s not what Booger told me.

–Paul Davis

NEW FROM THE LINDBY FAMILY—This is our latest new product. It is an adjustable footrest for the FLH models. (Patent pending)

The bracket will mount on the frame by the voltage regulator and the customer will be able to adjust the 2 footrests to a comfortable angle.

We will offer the part in 3 finishes

• Part # 280000 chrome
• Part # 281000 black
• Part # 282000 chrome/black

The product will fit from 1994 to present so it will fit a lot of motorcycle on the market.

Retail price $449.95

We will have the part ready for shipping by the end of this month.

Have a great day.

–Per Lindby

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER ALERT—

Look-it this ad from Moderna. they’re just laughing at us now. they’re as much as saying the shot will kill you. This is the conman actually mocking the sucker because the sucker is SO fucking stupid he won’t even notice.

–J.J. Solari
Research Chief
Bikernet Medical Center
Westwood, Los Angeles

AND THIS FEATURE JUST IN FROM JAPAN—BOLD IDEA CUSTOM CYCLES

Osaka, Ikeda-shi Airport 1-1-15-1F
TEL&FAX 06-6850-0503
MAIL info@boldideacc.com
HP: http://www.boldideacc.com

–from Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–2022 Ends With Multiple D.C. Victories for Bikers

In case you missed it, the last two weeks of 2022 saw multiple victories for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and all motorcyclists in this country. With the clock ticking down before the 117th Congress adjourned, three major parts of the MRF legislative agenda were addressed by leaders in Washington, D.C.

December 16th – Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding three recent fatal crashes between self-driving vehicles and motorcycles. The letter seeks answers about how self-driving cars interact with motorcycles and whether recent crashes are statistical outliers.

December 22nd – Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada inserted committee report language into the year-end omnibus government funding bill released by the U.S. Senate and passed both chambers of Congress. The report language states “The Committee is concerned that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders. The Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency works with states on motorcycle passenger policies within 120 days of enactment of this Act.”

December 23rd – Six years after it was first introduced the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution. The resolution “Promotes increased public awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling; encourages collaboration and communication with the motorcyclist community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcyclist profiling; and urges State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in written policies and training materials.”

To read the full version of H. Res 366 visit website

These three victories in the span of just a few days reflects the hard work of MRF members and our allies over the course of 2022. The work done at events like Bikers Inside the Beltway and by state motorcyclist rights organizations throughout the year paved the way for these successes.

As we look towards 2023 more challenges remain. For example, the Motorcyclists Advisory Committee (MAC) has yet to be established despite legislation passed in 2021 that directs the Department of Transportation to seat the MAC. Follow up on issues like profiling and self-driving cars will be necessary as will action on other items in the robust 2023 MRF legislative agenda.

While we are excited by the end to a successful year in our nation’s capital, we know that staying engaged is the only way to protect the freedoms we cherish. Thank you for your continued support of the MRF. Without your time, energy, and passion the voice of the street rider would disappear from the halls of power in D.C.

Let’s keep the momentum going in 2023! Not yet a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation? Join in the 2023 Freedom Fight.

Ride Safe and Ride Free

SAWICKI NEWS–2023 is off to a fast start
with Harley-Davidson releasing new lineup, more new products from Sawicki, our first events of the year, and the passing of legend Ken Block. So, here we go!

Big news from the motor company

this month and no I’m not talking about the pretty new colors H-D has to offer, although that’s always an important announcement for the V-Twin obsessed folks we call Fam. (check out our post about the new models on our socials) I’m talking about the major 120 years of Harley-Davidson announcement everyone’s talking about that goes down January 18. You know as much as I do so save the date and let’s see what it’s all about. I’ll meet you on social media to discuss our feelings on the matter. Deal? Tight.

ABOUT THE TEXAS MILE—

The Texas Mile has grown rapidly since our inaugural event in October 2003. Participants come from all edges of the United States, Canada and Mexico to test themselves and their motorized equipment on the fastest and most challenging 1-mile track in the world.

They achieve their top speed in 1-Mile and shut down in a 1/2-Mile. This bi-annual Motorsports Festival is created for performance enthusiast – Welcoming Motorcycles, Performance Street Cars, Race Cars and Land Speed Racers.

Spectators enjoy seeing the cars and motorcycles on the track and visiting with the participants in the paddock. There are onsite concessions to enjoy while at the event. For more details, see the rules and regulations section for participants and spectators.

Get off the highway and come out to The Texas Mile. It is like running on a straight 1 1/2-mile section of open highway without the fear of tickets and jail time. A High-Speed Shoot-out and Land Speed Racing Venue that compares to the likes of the legendary Bonneville that beckons one to “Drive in Your World, Race in Ours”!

WHY RUN?

Show what YOU have on a ONE-MILE straight (run wide open on an airport runway in Texas – 130mph, 160mph, 190mph & 200+mph)

Compete for the best of the best in your class
Set a high-speed record in Texas
Get the chance to join the 200+mph club of Texas
Test your equipment, prove something to yourself
Heck, just come out for a good time

NEW SBS BETTER BRAKES: NEXT-LEVEL BRAKE PERFORMANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

SVENDBORG, DENMARK.  January 2, 2023 – SBS Friction A/S, the Danish manufacturer of brake pads for motorcycles, ATVs, SxS, and special applications, announced in 2021 a new strategy that would make the company the first brake pad production center in the industry, to fully embrace a sustainable proof-of-business both in production and in output. One year following, SBS is introducing the first Aftermarket brake pads that have both been refined and optimized for improved brake performance.

The new product series will be named SBS Better Brakes and will be available from January 1st, 2023.

The first products to be transitioned and introduced in the new SBS Better Brakes-series, are the popular SBS HF, SP, HS, and MS ranges. These ranges comprise more than 70% of the brake pads sold by SBS. Thus, the product launch will follow the company’s intention to transition products with high impact in focus. The transition of HF, SP, HS, and MS compounds is expected to be completed by Q3 2023 .

Because of significant similarities in performance characteristics of the new SP and HS-ranges and with an intention of enabling easier product selection for dealers and endusers, SP is being discontinued and merged into the HS product references. The series merger will happen gradually throughout Q3 2023.

Improved brake performance and stopping power
Riders will get a better and more stable brake performance and stopping power with the new SBS Better Brakes-series. The re-engineered compound formulas enable an improved Coefficient of Friction that provides a more efficient brake grip throughout the braking sequence. This results in a significantly reduced stopping distance, of up to 12%.

The new Better Brakes-series are designed to maintain a static fade level throughout after being heated and with improved heat resilience that enables a consistent braking experience with more sense of control and comfort throughout the ride.

– When developing new compounds, especially as complex as these new SBS Better Brakes compounds where we remove key friction materials, including copper, nickel, and antimony, thorough testing and engineering are required to be able to maintain and, in most cases, also improve brake performance. We have managed to make this possible and in compliance with OEM development procedures, says SBS Head of R&D, Esben Juul Sørensen.

The SBS Better Brakes-series is designed without Copper, Nickel (sintered compounds) and Antimony (ceramic compounds), which and replaced with an iron-based formula, which gives an improved Coefficient of Friction while also being a more environmentally friendly resource.

All products in the SBS Better Brakes-series are furthermore enforced with NUCAP NRS, the advanced mechanical friction material bonding technology.

[page break]

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200X – Sportster Forty-Eight FOR $7,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=12884751

2012 Orange Harley-Davidson SPORTSTER FORTY-EIGHT XL1200X with only 6730.00 miles!

This bike is a low mileage Forty-Eight Sportster and some of the features/Add-ons on this bike are

* 1200c.c. Motor 5-Speed trans.
* Black radius exhaust
* High-Flo air cleaner
* Tall sissy bar
* Ape hangers
* Two-up seat
* Black ball milled grips
* Wire wheels

This bike is only $7,995.00

Plus, license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available!

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd, Anaheim CA 92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!

We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,

ACTION FROM THE TWISTED ROAD— Destination: Austin

The Austin area is a blast, with a great music, food, and bar scene. For riders, there are a lot of amazing motorcycle rides, long and short. There are some epic highway routes, as well as unique areas to visit on a bike within the city limits. There are also several cool annual motorcycle events in Austin, and moto-culture as a whole is vibrant and strong.

See the details and rent a bike at Twisted Road web site.

NEW YEARS GREETINGS FROM AMERICAN PRIME–SU Rebuild Service

Now available from APM, a professional factory rebuild service to take your SU from comatose to like new!

Our mailing address is:
American Prime Manufacturing Inc.
8205 SECURA WAY
SANTA FE SPGS, CA 90670

ACTION FROM BABES RIDE OUT— We are so excited to finally bring back our annual track day at our home track, Fox Raceway in Pala, CA. This event is for the entire fam and there is no event sign up or extra cost to attend other than the track fee you pay upon arrival if riding.

Fox Raceway opens at 8AM and first ladies only moto starts at 9:00AM sharp on the vet track. At the top of the hour, ladies only (15+ up) will have 30 min motos on the vet track.

Free Husqvarna demos (can you smell the 2 stroke?!) for the ladies Free Husqvarna x Stacyc demos for kids (bring your own gear + helmet etc.)

Free USMCA coaching on site provided by Husqvarna Hospitality + snacks and coffee provided by Fox Racing crew.

Bring the entire fam, we want everyone to enjoy a day ripping!

More details on the ride schedule, track(s), facilities, track fees, and camping options, tap HERE.

NEW FROM BARNETT CABLE AND CLUTCHES–Barnett Clutch Line Adapters

One of the oldest names in the international motorcycle parts and accessory industry (founded in 1948 and still family owned and operated), these hydraulic clutch line adapters for 2002 and up Harley-Davidson Big Twins (and 2009-17 V-Rods) are the newest products in the extensive Barnett Clutches & Cables line up.

These adapters allow any brake line with #3AN fittings to be adapted for use as a clutch line. Chrome plated, they are made in-house at Barnett’s Ventura, California headquarters with steel tubing and fittings.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES

www.barnettcables.com

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 78TH ANNUAL TRAILBLAZERS BANQUET & BIKE SHOW—

Any holder of a 2023 banquet ticket is welcome to bring an antique, classic or vintage motorcycle to display in the bike show on a first come-first served basis.

Space is limited and there are no pre-reservations for bikes to display. The more rare, interesting, historic, and/or related to this year’s honorees the better.

Bike Show Director Norm Bigelow or any of the other Trailblazers Directors in the Gold blazers have the final say on whether or not to accept any motorcycle in the display.

The Trailblazers Bike Show awards are for:

Best of Show: Voted by the judges as the most spectacular motorcycle entered in the show. History, condition, significance, and other details
are all considered.

Trailblazers Spirit Award: Voted by the judges as the motorcycle most typical of a first bike our Trailblazers members would have started on or raced early in their careers.

Tom White Competition Award: Voted by the judges as the best race bike. The award is named after the late-Tom White, a former professional racer and founder of the Early Years of Motocrossm Museum.

Trophy donated by Myra Thomason.

People’s Choice Award: Voted by the banquet attendees as their favorite motorcycle in the show. All attendees will receive a printed ballot at check-in that they can write down their favorite motorcycle and dropmthe ballot in ballot boxes that will be in the bike show area.

See more at the TrailBlazers website.

CBS “60 Minutes” sacrifices its credibility in selling apocalyptic pseudoscience

The way to save endangered mountain gorillas is to help people move away from wood fuel toward fossil fuels. Why are scientists like Stanford’s Paul Ehlich (center) promoting the opposite?

On CBS “60 Minutes” last night, scientists claimed that humans are causing a “sixth mass extinction” and that we would need the equivalent of five planet earths for all humans to live at current Western levels.

“No, humanity is not sustainable to maintain our lifestyle — yours and mine,” claimed Stanford University biologist Paul Ehrlich. “Basically, for the entire planet, you’d need five more Earths. It’s not clear where they’re gonna come from.”

Both claims are wrong and have been repeatedly debunked in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

That claim that “five more earths” are needed to sustain humanity comes from something called the Ecological Footprint calculation. I debunked it 10 years ago with a group of other analysts and scientists, including the Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, PLOS Biology.

We broke down the six measures that comprise the Ecological Footprint and found that five of the six, including food and forestry, were either in balance or surplus. The only thing out of balance was humankind’s carbon emissions.

But reducing carbon emissions requires neither that rich nations become poor nor that poor nations remain poor. Rather, it simply requires that we move toward energy sources that produce fewer carbon emissions, namely natural gas and nuclear.

–MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER
Environmental Progress.com

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Bandit’s Cantina Episode 101

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bandits_Cantina_Episode_101.aspx

Good thing for The Bikers headed by The Bandit. They saved the day on the 405. The anti fossil fuel group are a bunch of nuts and they suck!!!!!!

— Ann Robinson
Long Beach, CA

STILL PLAYIN’ POSSUM: MUSIC & MEMORIES OF GEORGE JONES SELLS OUT THE VON BRAUN CENTER IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

Travis Tritt & Wynonna Added To Stellar Already Announced Lineup

Tickets Available for VIP Dinner with Nancy Jones & Friends on Monday, April 24th at The Von Braun Center

Huntsville, Ala. – As Nancy Jones announced ‘Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,’ which will include performances by Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Chesnutt, Michael Ray, Sam Moore, Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Tracy Byrd, and Tracy Lawrence taking place at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on Tuesday, April 25th, nobody could imagine the excitement that would surround this event. he event has officially sold out within two weeks of its original announcement and the lineup continues to get bigger!

Travis Tritt and Wynonna have been added to the all-star lineup to perform. A special collaboration between Jamey Johnson and Wynonna will honor one of George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s hit songs.

“I cannot believe the love that everyone has shown me since making this announcement,” says Nancy Jones. “I have been reading comments on Facebook and the fans truly loved George. People are coming from Scotland, Canada, and all over the United States to hear these great artists and friends singing George’s songs as we honor him 10 years after his passing. So THANK YOU to the fans for showing up and showing Nashville and the world that George’s music will continue to live on.”

In addition, Nancy Jones will be hosting a VIP dinner the night before the concert event at the Von Braun Center Ballroom. Tickets are $200 and will include a sit-down meal as well as a photo opportunity with Nancy.

“I want to see all the fans. I want to thank them. I want to shake their hand. Without them, George’s career would never have been the same. They were loyal and I want to show the loyalty back,” added Jones. “I have some surprises for everyone that night and I am excited to be working on that night’s program.”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” –Mark Twain

TRIKE FILES OPENED–Will There Be a Market for Trikes in India ?

An engineer-entrepreneur looks to make trikes out of India’s two-wheelers

A Hyderabad- based small enterprise, also a participant at the upcoming Auto Expo, wants to tap the huge base of two-wheeler customers to build a new business of converting two-wheelers to trikes.

There’s no defined category of trikes in India yet, but according to an amended portion of IS 14272 which categorises different types of vehicles, ‘twinned wheels’ will be considered as one as long as both wheels are mounted on the same axle and ‘the distance between the centres of their areas of contact with the ground is equal to or less than 460 mm’.

Source: click to read at EconomicTimes

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

SALT TORPEDO REPORT ON TEXAS MILE—

I spoke to Joey from the Texas Mile and he informed me that the event is always the last weekend in March.

Registration is not until February. He will let me know a week before registration, so we can prepare.

Joey told me some interesting facts about the track. He set several records and is working with Aprilia. It’s a stock sit-up bike and he’s been 286 mph. You might want to give him a call about the track and wind issues. He also owns a Vanderhall, so he understands trikes configured like ours.

We learned from Denis’s book that we will be facing frontal lift issues.

–Bandit
Janitor
5-Ball Racing Team

TATTOO ART COLLECTION FROM SULLEN—

The first Artist Series Tuesday of 2023 is here and it’s a good one.

This week’s artwork was designed by tattoo legend Jack Rudy (@j_rudy_gtc). We’re throwing in a FREE sticker with the first 100 orders to start off 2023!

So don’t wait, grab yours now.

My grandson Frank Jr. tattoos at Jack’s shop every week.

–Bandit

CUSTOM TIP OF THE WEEK—

I’m now surrounded by serious builders and in touch with more Hamsters who are pro-builders including Carl Pussar. Carl recently gave me his pipe chroming tip. He coaches his chromer not to copper plate his pipes but double nickel plate them. Then he coats the inside with heat paint to help insulate the outside of the pipes from heat and thus prevent bluing.

Don’t tell anyone, promise.

–Bandit

BIKERNET SONG PICK—Another Year Comin’ Song Pick of the Year

If anyone has partied too hard, feeling regret and tired of same old in the new year –here is a song that always cheers me right up. Why? Because it’s a solution and it does work.

Get Rhythm Dammniit as Bandit would sing it in the garage! Actually, here is another tip for those getting the blues already — sing in the shower, sing on your motorcycle when riding alone. You see these idiots chatting and texting on their phone walking in the middle of the street or driving a car.

Well, it ain’t madness to sing out loud all alone in whatever voice you were endowed with. Pretend you are a star and shoot it straight through in your best pitch! Got a badly tuned guitar or harmonica? What are you waiting for, rock n roll with it. Play it as is, in your living room when feeling lonely and start living again.

Anyways, here is the song to add to your “Motivation” and “Self-Help” playlists….Ladies & Gentleman, this is Johnny Cash.

Song: “Get Rhythm”
Artist: Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Two
Album: Greatest!
Songwriters: Johnny Cash

Hey, get rhythm
When you get the blues
C’mon, get rhythm
When you get the blues
Get a rock and roll feeling in your bones
Put taps on your toes, and get goin’
Get rhythm
When you get the blues

A little shoe-shine boy, he never gets low-down
But he’s got the dirtiest job in town
Bending low at the peoples’ feet
On a windy corner of a dirty street

Well, I asked him while he shined my shoes
How’d he keep from getting the blues
He grinned as he raised his little head
He popped a shoe-shine rag, and then he said

Get rhythm
When you get the blues
C’mon, get rhythm
When you get the blues
A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It’ll shake all your trouble from your worried mind
Get rhythm
When you get the blues

Get rhythm
When you get the blues
C’mon, get rhythm
When you get the blues
Get a rock and roll feeling in your bones
Put taps on your toes, and get goin’
Get rhythm
When you get the blues

Well, I sat down to listen to the shoe-shine boy
And I thought I was gonna jump for joy
Slapped on the shoe polish left and right
He took a shoe-shine rag and he held it tight
He stopped once to wipe the sweat away
I said, “You’re a mighty little boy to be a-workin’ that way”
He said, “I like it” with a big wide grin
Kept on a-poppin’ and he said again

Get rhythm
When you get the blues
C’mon, get rhythm
When you get the blues
It only costs a dime, just a nickel a shoe
It does a million dollars worth of good for you
Get rhythm
When you get the blues

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION–Auto Execs Are Becoming Less Optimistic About EV Adoption

Automotive executives are reportedly scaling back their expectations for EV adoption, according to an annual survey conducted by KPMG International. Last year, professionals working at the top of the industry reported that they believed (on average) that over half of all new vehicles sold in the United States by 2030 would be battery-electric. But their faith in electrification appears to be evaporating, with most respondents suggesting that particular goal is no longer achievable.

In its 2021 survey, KPGM stated that executives had grown more bullish on EV acceptance due to the Biden administration committing the United States toward having a 50/50 sales split for electric and gasoline-powered vehicles by 2030. It’s something the European Union had already proposed, with similar goals being adopted by countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Though it needs to be said that estimates varied widely, with KPMG only offering an industry average that was still loaded up with outliers on both sides of the spectrum when viewed more carefully. Ultimately, the group believed that a 52 percent EV take rate was achievable by 2030. However, that figure was the result of over 1,000 top-ranking automotive officials giving their opinion – with many assuming the number could be much higher or lower.

The 2022 survey is less optimistic overall. According to CNBC, the median expectation for EV sales in the United States was 35 percent of the new vehicle market by 2030. That’s down 65 percent from a year earlier and represents one of the largest declines on the entire planet. While the U.S. was always assumed to be the big holdout, due to the fact that drivers tend to cover longer distances in varying climates and generally prefer liquid-fueled vehicles, it was assumed that a change in government would drive up EV adoption as government policy shifted to be more like what was taking place in Europe.

Of the 900-plus automotive executives surveyed for 2022, 76 percent expressed concerns that inflation and high-interest rates would adversely affect auto sales generally going into 2023. But EVs (which tend to cost substantially more than their combustion-driven counterparts) are presumed to have it the worst going forward.

“There’s still a sense of optimism long term, and yet, most importantly, there’s a sense of realism in the near term. You see this realism throughout the entire survey,” Gary Silberg, KPMG global head of automotive, told CNBC.

There are some curious angles to the matter that need to be explored, however.

With Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act (which included billions in incentives for electric vehicles) over the summer, there’s theoretically more government money on the table for EV manufacturers than ever before. But, to take full advantage, automakers do need to swiftly rejigger their supply chains to incorporate more labor and materials stemming from North America. Unfortunately for the industry, it seems as though some automakers either don’t think they can do so quickly enough to enjoy those incentives within the next couple of years and that the price of shifting production and supply lines may not be worth it in the long run. But this is a secondary issue to the general apprehension created by today’s hectic economy.

There was also the now-standard anti-Tesla rhetoric taking place within the survey, with KPGM downplaying the manufacturer’s former position as the obvious choice in EV leadership. This may have been the result of Tesla receiving so much negative press following Elon Musk’s decision to purchase Twitter or perhaps the result of some of the company’s shortcomings ( FSD, quality assurance, etc.) finally reaching the public consciousness. Whatever the reason, it seriously tweaked the study, with respondents now assuming there will be a more level playing field.

While Tesla remained the top pick as the industry leader in electrification, it lost serious ground to its rivals. Though some of them seem a little nonsensical. For example, Apple was seen as a major player in the 2022 survey. The iPhone purveyor ended up in fourth place (after Tesla, BMW, and Audi) among those taking the survey, despite never having produced a single EV for public consumption. Apple may be a contender in the years ahead, but assuming it’s going to eclipse Tesla by 2024 seems ridiculous.

Which begs the question of how seriously we should even be taking the KPMG survey – especially considering how far off its 2022 results seem to be from 2021.

Considering that KPMG is one of the largest multinational professional services networks on the planet, it might be wise to at least consider what’s being offered here. The company is one of those massive global business networks that have to use an acronym due to how many separate entities have been incorporated into the name over the years. While it probably would have been subject to antitrust scrutiny back in the day – and has certainly been the subject of controversy over the past two decades – it’s so massive that any information it offers up has serious potential to move markets.

Its far-reaching business ties also mean it is in a unique position to take the pulse of other industries to get a sense of where they’re at. For this year’s survey, KPMG contacted 915 automotive executives in October. More than 200 respondents were said to be CEOs and 209 were other C-level executives. More than 300 respondents were from North America, including 252 people from the United States.

And the general sentiment was that the industry doesn’t see EV adoption happening as quickly as assumed in 2021. Though, curiously, almost everyone seems to feel that the industry will become more profitable than was assumed in 2021. A whopping 83 percent of automotive executives who took part in the survey globally said they were “confident” in higher profits over the next five years — a figure that’s up from the 52 percent reported in last year’s results.

Considering the number of automakers that claimed to be banking on making EVs their mainstay products over the past several years, this result is a little confusing. If the industry was as serious about electrification as claimed, one would assume that leadership losing confidence in adoption rates would negatively impact their bottom line. Auto sales forecasting from outlets like Cox Automotive has also been moving in the wrong direction, with 2022 volumes in the U.S. expected to be down 9 percent against the 15 million vehicles sold in 2021. Though a more relevant comparison would be against the 17.1 million vehicles sold in 2019 – before expansive lockdowns and supply chain restrictions came into play.

That scarcity has been the pillar that’s been propping up pricing for the last few years and the automotive industry has managed to spin the issue into something profitable. By stating that there’s an insufficient number of vehicles being produced due to a lack of component supply dealerships have engaged in some of the worst price gouging witnessed in modern history. But manufacturers have also been raising prices to help pad their own profitability, often using the scarcity excuse much in the same way we’ve seen energy companies doing since late 2020.

Your author is under the assumption that auto executives broadly believe that alternative revenue streams (e.g. data harvesting, micro-transactions, OTA updates, etc) are about to yield dividends and that they can ride the inflation wave a little longer without shooting themselves in the foot. But this seems to ignore any prior assertion that EVs will make up a meaningful portion of sales in the years to come. While that might have something to do with consumer-based studies likewise showing EV acceptance dwindling from past years, there may also be some influence from studies suggesting that there aren’t enough raw materials to sustain widespread EV use or increased reporting about some of the human rights abuses associated with battery manufacturing. Meanwhile, it sounds like nobody is expecting the production rates of electric or combustion vehicles to rebound next year due to alleged supply chain constraints nobody seems capable of (or perhaps even all that interested in) remedying.

Whether wholly organic or stacked for effect by corporate media, this is the narrative the industry looks to be running with now.

–by Matt Posky

Truthaboutcars.com

–NMA

[page break]

APOLLO ASTRONAUT PASSES—

On January 3, 2023, America lost a hero and CFACT lost a friend. Colonel Walter Cunningham was 90. “Walt” is best known for flying in space as lunar module pilot on Apollo VII, the first manned space mission after a tragic fire on the ground killed the crew of Apollo I. Walt worked closely with CFACT and joined our delegations to COP 19, the UN climate conference in Warsaw, and COP 20 in Lima, Peru.

Flashback: Apollo Astronaut Cunningham Slams UN for perpetrating the ‘one of the biggest frauds in the field of science’

–Marc Morano
Climate Depot

TALENT OF THE WEEK—Paige Pederson

–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com™

OPEN LETTER TO BANDIT-– Morning sir, you were like my hero, when I was a kid. I built a new bike with handmade parts. I wanted to see if I could get it in your magazine. Your stories kept me alive as a teenager.

Thanks,

–Buzz Turner

HOME APPLIANCE WARNING—Beware purchasing any appliances from Best Buy or Whirlpool. We bought a Whirlpool Refrigerator from Best Buy this summer. It has never worked properly. Best Buy will do nothing to straighten out the issue. Whirlpool is far, far away. We have had three technicians out, but they can’t fix it. Seems new appliances can’t use Freon anymore, probably a climate issue. They switched to another chemical which is tougher to deal with and the average Joe can’t correct or fix the levels.

Make sure to purchase your new stove or refrigerator from a local business. Also make sure they repair the items they have for sale.

–Bandit

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–Happy New Year!

Rode the Shovelhead yesterday and went out this morning for my annual New Year’s Day Ride. Except Sea Fog, not as bad as 12/26/19 when I rode at 3:30 in the morning headed to work. Moisture was as bad on the inside of the helmet as the outside. No leather due to our summer time temps today, so soggy clothes fast! I waived the 50-mile minimum this year.

Last year was warm on the first, no fog. But the 2nd was “feels like 17”, why did I ride? Conditioning and lack of common sense!

Cousin shared this picture today, Can we all just stop and appreciate that hair and a gold chain too! Heineken, so mid ‘80s.

–RFR

ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!—

WHAT’S IT GOING TO BE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 29th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WHATS_IT_GOING_TO_BE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_December_29th_2022.aspx

Hey bud, if you’re hunting an accurate GPS speedo, check out RB Racing’s offering.

–Vin
Huntersville, NC

COMMENT FROM DR. JUDITH CURRY’S WEBSITE—

People who criticize coal are beyond redemption. Coal is poetic; trees covered Gondwana during the Carboniferous period. Those trees died and after millions of years became coal. Humans dig up coal and use it to build every amenity which has taken humanity from the tyranny of nature: energy. steel, cement; and when humanity burns coal CO2 is released to feed the plants alive today.

Only a moron would find fault with that.

–Dr. Judith Curry

UL FEATURE OF THE WEEK—

https://www.ehingerkraftrad.com

EHINGER KRAFTRAD
Brook 5, Boden 2, Block E, Luke 5
20457 Hamburg
hello@ehingerkraftrad.com
F www.ehingerkraftrad.com
P +49-(0)40-688 758 78-12

TOTAL MINDFULLNESS AND HEALTH FROM THE VA—

Set Your Intentions for 2023!

An intention is about connecting with your mission, aspiration and purpose. Setting and revisiting your intentions can help you realize your goals. Evaluate where you are in your life, what matters most to you and set a goal for your own whole health! Take five minutes to set intentions for 2023.

Personal health planning supports the examination of a person’s mission, aspirations, and purpose. It can involve completing a Personal Health Inventory, setting goals, and using resources needed to take steps to work towards your personal health plan.

Personal health planning can also be connected with education, peer support, and practicing self-care to support your overall health and well-being.

There are four principles to Personal Health Planning

• Whole Health Assessment (a.k.a., Personal Health Inventory)
• Education
• Goal Setting (Shared & SMART Goals)
• Self-reflection & exploration of your personal MAP (mission, aspiration & purpose)

The Personal Health Inventory walks you through the eight self-care areas identified on the Circle of Health to help you determine how they affect your health. You will answer questions such as:

• Are you getting enough sleep at night to refresh your body and mind?
• Are you eating foods and beverages that will nourish and fuel you?
• Are you surrounding yourself with people you love and care about?
• Do you have as much energy and flexibility as you could have with more exercise?
• Are you finding opportunities to learn and grow?

After completing your inventory, consider sharing it with your health care provider, finding a Whole Health course, or starting your Personal Health Plan.

–VA

WE ORDERED A SET OF HIGHBARS FROM NASH—

Kick off the new year with some fresh handlebars!

Big handlebar sale 40% off for a limited time!

Handlebars have been the cornerstone of Nash Motorcycle for over 15 years! We’re kicking off the new year with a healthy sale on all handlebar models!

Use code: BARS40

SHOP NOW

UPDATED CHIP RELEASE— Motorcycles as Art Exhibit Changes Direction

Sturgis, S.D. (January 3, 2023): The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Motorcycles As Art Exhibition is changing format for its upcoming 15th anniversary as the exhibition’s curator, photographer Michael Lichter, moves into an advisory role.

Following an incredible run of 14 themed exhibitions at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Lichter will showcase his own work at the 2023 Motorcycles As Art exhibition, leading a group of known and emerging artists and builders. Of course, Michael will be seen all around the Black Hills as he continues to document the rally, as he has done for over 40 years.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip to Remodel Event Center Gallery and Enhance Reach

Shifting from the themed exhibitions of past years, the platform will expand to become more open and accessible to a wider group of artists and custom builders. The exhibit will continue to highlight custom motorcycles, and there will be an expansion in the display and sales of motorcycle-themed artwork. Motorcycles As Art will continue in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center, which will undergo a newly conceived remodel to include an adjoining building and gardens for 2023.

Many know Michael Lichter as a world-renowned photographer who has documented the rise in popularity of custom motorcycles and the culture that developed around them for over forty years. As an exhibition curator, he has produced a total of 22 motorcycle-themed exhibitions. Of the eight that preceded the Motorcycles As Art exhibitions at the Buffalo Chip, five were staged at the Journey Museum in Rapid City.

“Michael continues to be an important part of the Buffalo Chip family,” says Chip President Rod “Woody” Woodruff. “An unbelievable amount of work goes into the Motorcycles as Art production, and Michael deserves accolades for his past work, as well as a chance to sit back and enjoy the exhibition. It’s going to be a great year to appreciate the artistry of motorcycling at the Chip.”

The enhanced version of Motorcycles As Art will look deeper into the culture, presenting opportunities for a wider array of builders and artists to unveil and display their work in the updated facility. Lichter will work closely with a dedicated team at the Buffalo Chip as curatorial adviser and his archival photography will be part of the new format. An announcement with specific criteria for artists and builders will be forthcoming.

All attendees at the Buffalo Chip are invited to explore this eclectic collection of custom motorcycles and motorcycle art, both on display and for sale, in the Motorcycles As Art Gallery, open for 9 days only during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Motorcycles As Art will continue to be the home of the Buffalo Chip’s Industry Party, slated for Saturday, August 5th, 2023.

Past and prospective artists, builders and sponsors will be contacted by Buffalo Chip representatives. Inquiries may be made directly to info@BuffaloChip.com

LATEST FROM THE LOWBROW CREW—

We designed the FiltroMax remote oil filter mount specifically for custom motorcycles.

That being said, it can be used on any type of vehicle. Oozes style, sporting cooling fins and a sexy contoured shape.

Investment-cast stainless steel, available in polished or black finish.

Two threaded mounting holes for easy universal mounting. Weld-on mounting tab included (plus several ready-to-go mounting brackets for various applications sold separately)

CHECK ‘EM OUT

THAT’S A WRAP FOR THIS WEEK—

We received our Black Bike Wheels for our VL,XA, S&S FL Winter project bike. I bought a front mechanical brake from Charlie or the Rust God, but there could be an issue with the front axle. The front Black Bike wheel is upgraded with Timken bearings and the stock axle might not work. Steve, from Paughco is working on it.

I also bought a set of stock rockers from Charlie and I’m working with Randy Cramer from Dakota V-Twin and Colony on replacement brake parts and rocker bushings.

Cabana Dan was kind enough to sell me this roller for the 1914 Single I’ve been hanging denims on for the last 20 years. I can now make it a little speed racer.

Make sure you check the story on the Snow Rider, a brother who rides his Crossbones to work every day in Deadwood.

Tomorrow I’m going to order a Hawg Halters Sprotor rear brake for the VL project. Depending on what I can get done this week, I may bring you the next report.

Cabana Dan is working on three V-twins builds. One is an Excelsior-Henderson a 1913 and then 1914 and 1913 Harley-Davidsons. They are all ground-up builds, and we will bring you the first intro report next week. I’m already learning a lot about early builds.

Grandson Frankie has an M-8 and is considering a major or minor upgrade. He’s either going with a cam, tuner and pipe or a major 114 to 129-inch engine. Hang on. He’s working with Danny Wilson, the Collective in Phoenix, FXR Division. Here’s a shot of what his engine could look like.

Peeps think we’re freezing to death, but I swear it ain’t bad at all. Sorta clean and fresh.

Let’s see how the world works through the following week. Think Freedom, it always works.

–Bandit

Click Here to Read this Week’s News only on Bikernet.com

Hey,

Another magnificent day in Paradise. If you’re into politics I know you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into football, you’re on the edge of your seat. If you’re into chopper building, you’re on the edge of your bench trying to make shit happen.

I’m sorta on the edge of my seat over several elements of this year. There are new book projects, movie and TV efforts. It’s going to be damn exciting with new builds, going to the Texas mile to test the Salt Torpedo, then to Bonneville hopefully.

Let’s see how the world works through the following week. Think Freedom, it always works.

–Bandit

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